Coventry are refurbishing the Cowshed side of their Coundon Road ground over the close season.

The popular standing area will have improved bar and refreshment facilities by the start of next season - which could be Coventry's last before their proposed move to a new stadium at the Butts - and the provision of under-cover urinals.

Improvements will also be made in the main clubhouse bar and the match day programme is to be redesigned.

Coventry, whose planning application for the Butts is currently under consideration by the City Council, hope to add two second row forwards with Premiership experience to their squad over the next few days and are continuing to negotiate with Samoa internationals Va'aiga Tuigamala and Pat Lam.

"We are optimistic of success with them," said club director Ted Stocker.

"Our ambition is to become a Premiership side in our own Premiership-standard new stadium within two years."

Average gates last season rose to over 2,000 from a base of 850 season ticket holders, and Coventry have launched a 'Target 2003' incentive scheme in an attempt to build on this figure.

Members introducing a new season ticket holder will receive a #10 voucher, and the person who brings in the most new members before August 30 will win an all-expenses paid day for two at a Twickenham international.

If there is a tie, the winner will be decided by a draw.

Ticket prices are rising for the first time in four years with an adult season ticket (covering 13 home National Division games) costing #105 if purchased before June 29 and #117 afterwards. A new instalment payment scheme is available by request to the club before June 14.

"With the improvements in the squad and the costs associated in the planning process for the new stadium, it is inevitable that we need an increase in revenue for next season," said Stocker.

"Price increases are alway difficult, but this is the first in four years and the club must ensure that it continues to balance the books to meet the challenges and ambitions for the next two years and beyond."